Underwater Acoustic-based Sensorial Network

Project description

This industry guided project aims to develop a small scale prototype of an underwater acoustic-based sensorial network. This semi-persistent network is to comprise several bespoke network nodes, consisting of an acoustic modem and a general purpose electromechanical interface. This network provides communication relays to underwater vehicles and hosts an open-interface for a variety of sensor packages covering marine conservation, surveillance and future capability expansions. This project will consist of a hardware and software component where two teams of students will work together. It is anticipated these two teams will work together to meet operational objectives defined in a vignette provided when the project commences. These projects are specifically aimed at students with an interest in working with SAAB Australia and/or undertaking postgraduate research activities in related subjects.   Underwater Acoustic-based Sensorial Network Hardware Team (2 - 3 students) The hardware team will be responsible for the physical design of the nodes, the geo-location of the meshed network nodes and the design and build of a prototype passive surveillance sensor module. This project aims to:

• Develop the preliminary hardware design for a small scale prototype of an underwater sensorial network;
• Define the networks sensor hardware interfaces;
• Develop a passive surveillance sensor module;
• Rapid prototype demonstrative nodes with general purpose sensor packages; and
• Demonstrate the developed capability with Saab and other university teams both internal and external to the University.

This project ideal for students with interests in acoustics, signal processing, AI and ML, with future opportunities in post-graduate research in acoustic underwater modelling, signal processing, AI & ML and trusted autonomous systems.   Underwater Acoustic-based Sensorial Network Software Team (2 - 3 students) The software team will be responsible for the communication protocols between nodes, the software interface for the sensor modules and the network architecture. This project aims to:

• Develop the preliminary prototype communication protocols and network architecture for the network node;
• Define the network API for the node and sensor interfaces;
• Rapid prototype demonstrative network nodes with general purpose sensor packages; and
• Demonstrate the developed capability with Saab and other university teams both internal and external to the university.

This project is ideal for students with interests in underwater acoustics, communications and network architecture, with future opportunities in post-graduate research in acoustic underwater modelling, communications and trusted autonomous systems.  

Co-supervisors

Brinkworth, Russell (Assoc. Professor)  

Supervisors research focus

Maritime Autonomy, Underwater Sensors

Industry involvement

SAAB Australia

Note: You need to register interest in projects from different supervisors (not a number of projects with the one supervisor).
You must also contact each supervisor directly to discuss both the project details and your suitability to undertake the project.